Curriculum
Growing in Educational Excellence
Black Hawk Middle School students have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subject areas in courses and activities designed to meet the needs of middle-level learners. The core curriculum for middle school students is closely aligned with state standards and includes math, science, social studies and English language arts. Students also study in a variety of elective areas beyond the core content areas, which are also aligned to state and national standards.
All curriculum is reviewed regularly through a districtwide curricular review process. At Black Hawk, we are committed to providing our students with the support they need to see the infinite possibilities that await them in high school and beyond.
Core Curriculum
English/Language Arts
We believe that literacy is thinking, and we strive to support the growth of our students as lifelong learners and critical thinkers. We are committed to building strong foundations in literacy for all of our learners through responsive instruction and early intervention while providing opportunities for choice, voice, and inquiry.
An effective language arts program supports learners in developing strategic actions in order to make meaning while engaging with a wide variety of texts, multiple perspectives and cultures, and collaborative learning experiences.
Our instructional units are grounded in the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts concentrating on literature, informational text, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, media literacy and language.
We believe language arts instructional practices should foster the joy of literacy while being responsive to the cultures, language, and experiences that learners bring to the classroom community.
Standards
Math
Connecting mathematical experiences to the world around them, children are challenged to become increasingly sophisticated in dealing with mathematical concepts. The mathematics curriculum builds on students’ math understanding, skills, and proficiency at each grade level, as appropriate, by integrating concepts such as number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students also engage in problem solving, reasoning, and communicating ideas while making connections to the world around them.
Standards
Science
Science is the active study of the natural and man-made world, including processes, structures, designs, and systems. Science students use their senses and tools to observe, record and analyze data about the world and make conclusions based on evidence. Scientifically literate young people can understand basic science concepts, use skills for doing scientific investigations, solve technical problems, and design technologies for today’s world. – Minnesota Department of Education
Standards
Social Studies
We are committed to developing future citizens who are informed and able to contribute to our democratic system. The social studies curriculum provides the opportunity for each student to acquire knowledge; gain a deeper appreciation of the commonalities and the diversity which makes our national and world societies culturally unique, and develop skills necessary for responsible social, political and economic participation in a diverse, interdependent and changing world. A variety of integrated experiences drawing on such disciplines as history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology and anthropology enables students to function effectively and contribute constructively within society.
At BHMS, students will study three different social studies courses: Minnesota Studies (6th grade), American Studies (7th grade), and Global Studies (8th grade). Throughout these courses students will gain both historical and global perspective, while developing literacy skills and critical thinking.
Standards
Spanish
Courses
- ART
- English Learners
- FACS
- Gifted and Talent Development
- Library
- Music
- Physical Education
- Special Education
- Tech Education
- AVID
ART
English Learners
The EL English class will focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will bring a book of their own choosing to read in zone reading every day. Students may bring their own books, or find books in the classroom library or during weekly visits to the school media center. In addition, we will read from a variety of texts, including novels, poetry, current events in Scholastic Action magazine and on Newsela, articles, plays, picture books, and short stories.
Students are expected to express their ideas in writing for a variety of purposes, including school reports, compare and contrast, persuade, teach, show sequence, inform, entertain, cause and effect, reflect on their own learning and experiences. Students will learn to actively listen to others in school to build community, friendships, deepen their learning experiences, and grow as people. Students will express themselves verbally for a variety of purposes, both socially and academically, informally and formally.
Students will actively engage in building their vocabularies to expand their abilities to express themselves verbally and in writing. We will also have some time for homework assistance.
FACS
Gifted and Talent Development
Library
Music
We have a thriving music department at BHMS and many opportunities for students to be involved in music. We offer both band and choir. Learn more about BAND at BHMS >
Physical Education
Special Education
Tech Education
AVID
The AVID acronym stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. This is a nationally-recognized educational approach that ensures all students are successful in rigorous curriculum.
AVID in the secondary setting equips our teachers with what they need to help students in the academic middle succeed on a path to college and career success.